In Baldur's Gate 3, the Warlock class is renowned for being the most beginner-friendly caster, while still being incredibly powerful. Although Warlocks have fewer spell slots compared to other spellcasters, they compensate for this with an exceptionally potent Cantrip and access to some of the game's top control spells.
The top Warlock builds in BG3 capitalize on these class strengths. Typically, builds in Baldur's Gate 3 revolve around a subclass, known as a Patron for Warlocks. The Great Old One brings a multitude of useful spells and ample class flavor, making it the ideal choice for players seeking to start off strongly with the Warlock class.
Best Warlock Build Overview
Looking for advice on creating the ultimate Warlock build for Baldur's Gate 3? Look no further! Please note that this guide is specifically tailored for the Early Access version of the game. However, once Baldur's Gate 3 is fully released on August 3, 2023, be sure to come back for updated tips and strategies to help you craft the most powerful BG3 Warlock build.
"Warlocks bound to Eldritch beings in the Far Realms work toward inscrutable goals, gaining strange powers over entropy and the mind."
The Great Old One Warlock is widely regarded as one of the top Warlock builds due to its ability to wield impactful control spells that greatly enhance the class's spell repertoire. By forging a pact with the Great Old One, Warlocks unlock the Mortal Reminder passive, which induces fear in enemies upon scoring critical hits. Additionally, at Level 1, they can select two first-level spells, followed by the choice of two second-level spells at Level 3.
When playing as a Great Old One Warlock, it is essential to fully embrace the role of a spellcaster and engage in combat primarily from a safe distance. While Warlocks possess limited spell slots, they can replenish them through Short and Long Rests. Furthermore, they are equipped with one of the most formidable cantrips available in Baldur's Gate 3: Eldritch Blast.
Great Old One Warlock Character Creation
: Enhanced Abilities and Strategic SpellcastingBest Warlock Race: Asmodeus Tiefling
The Asmodeus Tiefling is the optimal Race choice for Warlocks in BG3 due to their innate ability to cast Hellish Rebuke starting at Level 3, and the Darkness spell at Level 5. With Hellish Rebuke, they can deal a significant amount of 2d10 Fire damage as a reaction when they are attacked, making them exceptionally formidable, especially at lower levels.
A shroud of darkness envelops the surroundings, creating a veil that hinders visibility and disorients those present. This can provide opportunities for sneaky attacks by allies or disrupt enemies' ability to see, depending on its positioning.
Asmodeus Tieflings possess the innate ability to cast the Thaumaturgy cantrip. This powerful spell grants them an advantage in Intimidation and Performance checks, making it a valuable asset in certain situations. However, players must remember to cast it prior to entering a conversation to benefit from its bonus.
The full release of Baldur's Gate 3 will connect Class with Ability Scores, rather than Race. Irrespective of the Race chosen by players for their character, they have the freedom to allocate +2/+1 to two desired Ability Scores.
Best Warlock Patron/Subclass: Great Old One
Best Warlock Proficiencies and Background: Sage
The Warlock Class in Baldur's Gate 3 Early Access offers two Subclasses: The Great Old One and The Fiend. The Great Old One surpasses The Fiend because of its spells that have a greater impact on battles. At Level 1, The Great Old One grants Warlocks the choice between Tasha's Hideous Laughter or Dissonant Whispers, and at Level 3, they gain access to Detect Thoughts and Phantasmal Force. It is important to note that, currently, The Fiend has a larger pool of spells than The Great Old One in Early Access, but this will change when the game is fully released.
The Sage grants an Advantage on Arcana and History checks, aligning well with a Warlock's RP preferences in conversations. These checks rely on Intelligence, an Ability Score that Warlocks typically don't prioritize.
Acquiring Proficiency in these skills eliminates two of the standard options for Warlocks, leaving Deception, Intimidation, Nature, Insight, and Religion. Opt for Deception and Insight due to their frequent use in ability checks during dialogues.
Best Great Old One Warlock Cantrips
Level 1: Eldritch Blast, Blade Ward
Level 4: True Strike
Best Great Old One Warlock Spells
Level 1: Hex, Tasha's Hideous Laughter
Level 2: Charm Person
Level 3: Phantasmal Force
Level 4: Misty Step
Level 5: Hunger of Hadar
Best Great Old One Warlock Eldritch Invocations
Level 2: Repelling Blast allows Eldritch Blast to push targets by 4.5m, while Thief of Five Fates imposes the Bane effect on three creatures, reducing their Attack and Saving Throws by -1d4.
Level 5: Agonising Blast enhances Eldritch Blast damage by adding the CHA modifier.
Baldur's Gate 3 is now accessible through Early Access and is set to have a full release for PC on August 3, 2023. On September 6, 2023, the game will also be launched for PlayStation 5. Furthermore, an Xbox Series X/S version of the game is currently being developed.